Hospitality

At PKC, we partner with hospitality businesses to provide practical, results-oriented legal solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you own a restaurant, manage a hotel, or operate an event venue, your business requires strategic legal guidance to ensure smooth operations, mitigate risks, and support growth.

Comprehensive Legal Services for the Hospitality Industry

Contracts and Agreements
Clear, well-structured contracts are essential to the success of hospitality businesses, setting the foundation for everything from daily operations to long-term partnerships. We assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements that align with your business goals, including:

  • Vendor and Supplier Agreements: Establishing reliable terms for food, beverage, and service providers to avoid disputes.

  • Management and Franchise Agreements: Supporting relationships with franchisors, franchisees, and property managers.

  • Event Contracts: Structuring enforceable agreements for weddings, conferences, and other hosted events.

  • Licensing and Technology Agreements: Protecting your business interests in software, equipment, and intellectual property arrangements.

We focus on creating agreements that are precise, enforceable, and designed to protect your business while fostering strong relationships with partners and clients.

Real Estate and Expansion
Hospitality businesses thrive on location. Whether you’re leasing space for a restaurant or acquiring property for a new hotel, our attorneys provide expert counsel on:

  • Commercial lease negotiations to secure favorable terms.

  • Property purchases and sales, ensuring compliance with zoning and regulatory requirements.

  • Expansion projects, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

Our legal team ensures your transactions are seamless and aligned with your long-term goals.

Employment and Workforce Management
Managing a diverse and dynamic workforce is a hallmark of the hospitality industry. We help employers develop clear policies and agreements while navigating complex labor laws, including:

  • Drafting employment contracts and handbooks tailored to your operations.

  • Advising on wage and hour compliance, including tip-pooling and overtime rules.

  • Assisting with workplace safety, harassment prevention, and employee classification.

With PKC, you’ll have the tools to maintain a positive, compliant work environment while protecting your business from disputes.

Regulatory Compliance
The hospitality industry is subject to a wide array of regulations, from food safety to alcohol licensing. We guide businesses through compliance with:

  • Health and safety standards, including inspections and certifications.

  • Data privacy and cybersecurity laws for protecting guest information.

Our proactive approach helps you stay ahead of compliance challenges so you can focus on your guests.

Brand and Intellectual Property Protection
Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. We protect your intellectual property by:

  • Registering and enforcing trademarks to safeguard your business identity.

  • Drafting licensing agreements for franchising and branded products.

  • Resolving disputes involving copyright and trade secrets.

PKC helps you protect your brand while positioning your business for growth.

Dispute Resolution for the Hospitality Industry

While proactive planning can minimize risks, disputes can still arise. PKC provides strategic representation to resolve conflicts efficiently, including:

  • Breach of Contract: Resolving issues with vendors, landlords, or service providers who fail to meet their obligations.

  • Employment Disputes: Addressing claims of wage violations, harassment, or wrongful termination.

  • Guest and Customer Claims: Managing allegations of negligence, unsafe premises, or food-related illnesses.

  • Lease Disputes: Navigating conflicts with landlords or tenants over terms and property use.

  • Franchise Disputes: Supporting franchisors and franchisees in disputes over compliance, termination, and encroachment.

We prioritize cost-effective solutions, including mediation and arbitration, but are prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary to protect your interests.

Industry-Specific Experience

PKC proudly serves a diverse range of hospitality businesses, including:

  • Restaurants and Cafés: Helping with vendor agreements, brand protection, and health code compliance.

  • Hotels and Resorts: Advising on property acquisitions, management agreements, and guest liability issues.

  • Event Venues: Structuring contracts for hosted events and resolving disputes with vendors and clients.

  • Franchises: Supporting both franchisors and franchisees with agreement negotiation and regulatory compliance.

Our deep understanding of the hospitality industry allows us to deliver focused, practical legal solutions to meet your specific needs.

Why Hospitality Businesses Choose PKC

  • Industry-Specific Knowledge: We understand the unique challenges faced by restaurants, hotels, and event venues, offering solutions that align with the demands of the hospitality industry.

  • Custom Strategies: No two hospitality businesses are the same. We collaborate with you to develop practical legal strategies that fit your operations and goals.

  • Business-Centered Approach: Our focus is on helping your business thrive, whether by navigating regulatory requirements, resolving disputes, or supporting your growth initiatives.

  • Timely and Effective Solutions: Hospitality is fast-paced, and so are we. We work quickly and efficiently to address your legal needs, minimizing disruptions to your operations.

The hospitality industry offers immense opportunities—but success requires a strong legal foundation. At PKC, we’re committed to empowering hospitality businesses with personalized legal support and innovative solutions.